Chemical method and composition for soil improvement

ABSTRACT

A composition for chemical soil improvement includes a synthetic fluid or base oil, a pour point depressant, polyisobutylene, and synthetic fibers, and various combinations thereof.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 12/696,550,filed Jan. 29, 2010 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,048,333, which claims priorityto a provisional patent application filed Jan. 29, 2009, entitledCHEMICAL METHOD FOR SOIL IMPROVEMENT IN COLD REGIONS, having Ser. No.61/148,216, and to a provisional patent application filed Jan. 25, 2010,entitled A CHEMICAL METHOD FOR SOIL IMPROVEMENT, having Ser. No.61/297,843, all of which of hereby incorporated by reference.

I. BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

This invention relates to a method of soil improvement, erosionprevention, and dust control utilizing synthetic fluids and othernon-synthetic base oils and various combinations of polyisobutylene,carboxylic acids, pour point depressants, esters, soil/ash,biodegradable fibers, wood chips, and/or synthetic fibers.

2. Background

Many methods of chemical dust and erosion control, and soilstabilization have been utilized over the years, with variousdetrimental effects on environment, health, and safety and varyingdegrees of success. Traditional products used for dust control and soilstabilization consist of used or recycled oil, virgin oils, chlorides,lignins, and emulsifications made with low-grade petroleum resins,asphalt, oil, and pitch.

The use of used or recycled petroleum oils has long been employed as adust control agent. In recent years legislation by most states hascurtailed the use of these oils for dust control because of concernswith environment, health, and safety. This legislation has spawned aninterest in virgin oils, some highly refined and very safe. The highlyrefined products may contain low or no aromatics but are generally costprohibitive for most applications. In addition, petroleum oils havelimited value as dust suppressants and virtually no value as soilstabilizers. They act as particle weighting agents by the processes ofadsorption or absorption and do not have any significant cohesive actionfor soil stabilization and control of fine dust.

Magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and sodium chloride used insolution or solid form act as humectants when added to soil. Theseproducts work well in areas of sufficient moisture or require wateringfor humectants action. The problems with these products are theirsolubility in water and effects on ground water and plant life. Inaddition, as strong electrolytes they are highly corrosive to metalequipment.

Lignins have been employed as a low-cost means of dust control forseveral decades. Recently lignins have come under considerable attack byenvironmental, health, and safety organizations that have identifieddioxin and dioxin forming compositions in lignin. This problem iscompounded by lignins solubility in water and its ability to contaminateground water. Lignins also have a limited working life because they arewater soluble they tend to be washed away with rain, melting snow, orother moisture.

Many types of emulsions of tall oil, petroleum resins, and asphalts andcombinations can be prepared and have been exhibited in prior art.Typically these products are emulsified to reduce viscosity to sprayablelevels and to aid in penetration of the product into the soil. One ofthe problems created is the use of excess liquid, which is sprayed ontothe ground and can migrate into ground water. In addition, emulsions canalso be severely damaged by rain and moisture when the moisture eventoccurs prior to the emulsion breaking and the active ingredients curing.When cured properly these products produce a bound soil layer, which iseffective for dust control for short periods and under conditions wherethere is little mechanical disturbance. Examples of tall oil pitchemulsions that produce these results can be found in prior art. DoyleU.S. Pat. No. 5,895,347 discloses chemically stabilized emulsions oftall oil pitch, hydrochloric and stearic acids, and emulsifiers in waterwhere temperature and are controlled during preparation. Additionally,Burch U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,425 discloses an emulsion comprising tall oilpitch, rosin, emulsifier, and water.

Different soil types are classified under the Unified SoilClassification System (USCS) with a two letter code. The first letterchoices are G—gravel, S—sand, M—silt, C—clay, O—organic, and the secondletter choices are P—poorly graded, W—well graded, H—high plasticity,L—low plasticity. The group symbols are GW, GP, GM, GC, SW, SP, SM, SC,ML, CL, OL, MH, CH, and OH.

Binders are defined as additives to the material being agglomerated thatproduce bonding strength in the final product. A binder can be a liquidor solid that forms abridge, film, or matrix filler or that causes achemical reaction. Binders can be classified into four types. The firsttype is a matrix binder which is a solid or semi-solid, such as tar,pitch, asphalt, wax, or cement. Another type is a film binder, whichincludes water, solutions, dispersions, powders, silicate, gel, oil,alcohol, clay, and starch. The third type is a chemical binder, whichreacts chemically with the material being agglomerated; these includesilicate, acid molasses, lime, and lignosulphonate. The fourth type is alubricant, which is used to reduce friction and induce flow of thematerial. Lubricants include oil, glycerin, stearate, and wax.

II. SUMMARY

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of our invention aresuperior dust control and soil improvement in areas of intense useand/or cold ground. Improved air and water quality through reduction ofairborne particulates and soil erosion are achieved with use of ourchemical agents formulated from safe aliphatic and cyclic organiccompositions.

In addition, our invention has several benefits over traditionalchemical dust and erosion control, and soil improvement agents, it canbe applied neat or undiluted eliminating the chances of collateralrunoff, it remains active over long periods of time requiring fewermaintenance applications, is insoluble in water resisting rain andinclement weather contains no electrolytes thus inhibits corrosion.

A heterogeneous mixture produced by blending aliphatic or cyclic organiccompositions with carboxylic acids of chemical structure R—COOH andapplied to soils in a manner to produce high levels of dust control andsoil stabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compositions act asplasticizers and carriers for the carboxylic acids. When applied to soilthe carrier provides a mechanism for the carboxylic acid to penetratethe soil and also acts as a dust suppressing weighting agent. Theplasticized carboxylic acid provides a durable, reworkable binder thatassociates small particulates while stabilizing soil and aggregate. Thechemical agent is manufactured and applied using conventional mixing andapplied using conventional construction equipment.

The present invention also encompasses a heterogeneous mixture producedby blending aliphatic or cyclic organic compositions with polyolefins ofchemical structure C_(n)H_(2n) or R—C_(2n)H_(3n), and applied to soilsin a manner to produce high levels of dust control and soilstabilization. The aliphatic and cyclic compositions act as plasticizersand carriers for the polyolefin to penetrate the soil and also act as adust suppressing weighting agent. The plasticized polyolefin provides adurable, reworkable binder that associates small particulates whilestabilizing soil and aggregate. The chemical agent is manufactured andapplied using conventional mixing and applied using conventionalconstruction equipment.

The present invention also incorporates a pour point depressant.

Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from aconsideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

III. DEFINITIONS

Adhesion—the tendency of certain dissimilar molecules to cling togetherdue to attractive forces.

Agglomeration—the process of particle size enlargement in which small,fine particles (such as dusts or powders) are gathered into largermasses, clusters, pellets, or briquettes for use as end products or insecondary processing steps.

Binder—additives to the material being agglomerated that produce bondingstrength in the final product.

Bonding—the forces of cohesion between particles, as in agglomeratebonding or bonding strength.

Carboxylic Acid—an organic acids characterized by the presence of acarboxyl group, which has the formula —C(═O)OH, usually written —COOH or—CO₂H. Carboxylic acids are Brønsted-Lowry acids—they are proton donors.

Clustering—loose bonding of particles by pendular and funicular bridgesin the presence of moisture.

Cohesion—the intermolecular attraction between like-molecules.

Hydrocracking—the elimination of aromatics and polar compounds achievedby chemically reacting the feedstock with hydrogen, in the presence of acatalyst, at high temperatures and pressures.

Hydroisomerization—The isomerization of alkane hydrocarbons via anintermediate alkene.

Lipophilic Fluid—a fluid having an affinity for, tending to combinewith, or capable of dissolving in lipids.

Olefin—an unsaturated chemical compound containing at least onecarbon-to-carbon double bond (also called an alkene with the generalformula C_(n)H_(2n)).

Polyolefin—a polymer produced from a simple olefin as a monomer.

Pour Point Depressant—Pour point depressants (also known as PPDs) arepolymers that are designed to control wax crystal formation inlubricants resulting in lower pour point and improved low temperatureflow performance.

Synthetic isoalkane—A synthetic alkane with a branched chain whosenext-to-last carbon atom is bonded to a single methyl group.

Viscosity Index Improver—a chemical component that increases theviscosity index measure for the change of kinematic viscosity withtemperature).

III. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

At least one embodiment of the invention is set forth in the followingdescription and is shown in the drawings and is particularly anddistinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a chart showing test results;

FIG. 2 is a chart showing test results; and,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an in-situ slope.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a composition forenhancing soil improvement characteristics in cold regions. The liquidsoil improvement agent is comprised of a synthetic fluid in combinationwith a pour point depressant. By “synthetic” it is meant a substance,pure or a mixture, which has undergone at least one major chemicaltransformation (reaction) in its manufacture or processing. A simplephysical separation, purification, or transformation (i.e. freezing orboiling) does not constitute a major chemical reaction. In oneembodiment, the pour point depressant is chosen from acrylic, acryliccopolymer, polymethacrylate, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, vinylacetate olefin copolymers, alkyl esters of styrene-maleic anhydridecopolymers, alkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids,polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefin copolymers, and polyakylmethacrylate. Incorporating the synthetic fluid and pour pointdepressant into soil and compacting it, will increase the soil bearingstrength and other mechanical properties. The improvements in compactedsoil characteristics can be achieved in cold weather environments attemperatures well below the freezing point of water. Typically, inwarmer climates this soil improvement is accomplished by the use ofwater. This invention has the benefit over traditional methods by virtueof its ability to be dispersed and incorporated into soil attemperatures impossible for use with water due to the freezing point ofwater. It also remains in situ, gaining strength due to the waterproofing ability, protection against freeze thaw, frost heave, and soilbinding characteristics of the chemical composition. In one embodimentof the invention, the synthetic fluid is about 98% to about 99.9% byweight (including, but not limited to, 98.0, 98.1, 98.2, 98.3, 98.4,98.5, 98.6, 98.7, 98.8, 98.9, 99.0, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5, 99.6,99.7, 99.8, and 99.9) and the pour point depressant is about 0.01% toabout 2% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03,0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15,0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27,0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39,0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51,0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63,0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75,0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87,0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99,1.00, 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11,1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23,1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35,1.36, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, 1.40, 1.41, 1.42, 1.43, 1.44, 1.45, 1.46, 1.47,1.48, 1.49, 1.51, 1.50, 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55, 1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59,1.60, 1.61, 1.62, 1.63, 1.64, 1.65, 1.66, 1.67, 1.68, 1.69, 1.70, 1.71,1.72, 1.73, 1.74, 1.75, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79, 1.80, 1.81, 1.82, 1.83,1.84, 1.85, 1.86, 1.87, 1.88, 1.89, 1.90, 1.91, 1.92, 1.93, 1.94, 1.95,1.96, 1.97, 1.98, 1.99, and 2.00), and a neutral oil can be added atbetween about 0.01% to about 2% by weight (including, but not limitedto, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11,0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23,0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35,0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47,0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59,0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71,0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83,0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95,0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.00, 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07,1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19,1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31,1.32, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35, 1.36, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, 1.40, 1.41, 1.42, 1.43,1.44, 1.45, 1.46, 1.47, 1.48, 1.49, 1.51, 1.50, 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55,1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59, 1.60, 1.61, 1.62, 1.63, 1.64, 1.65, 1.66, 1.67,1.68, 1.69, 1.70, 1.71, 1.72, 1.73, 1.74, 1.75, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79,1.80, 1.81, 1.82, 1.83, 1.84, 1.85, 1.86, 1.87, 1.88, 1.89, 1.90, 1.91,1.92, 1.93, 1.94, 1.95, 1.96, 1.97, 1.98, 1.99, and 2.00). In anotherembodiment, the synthetic fluid is between about 80% to about 95% byweight (including, but not limited to, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95), the pour point depressant isbetween about 0.1% to about 0.9% by weight (including, but not limitedto, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9), a polyolefin isbetween about 5% to about 20% by weight (including, but not limited to,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20), and aneutral oil is between about 0.01% to about 0.9% by weight (including,but not limited to, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08,0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20,0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32,0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44,0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56,0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68,0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80,0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, and 0.90). In oneembodiment, the application of the soil improvement composition does notrequire any water. The composition is a paraffin-based, hydrophobic,liquid material that can be applied at temperatures down to at least−40° F. (−40° C.). The composition binds and coats all contacted soil,making it water repellant while insuring compaction. The compositionmakes for a compacted, yet self-healing surface, in case damage at thebase course occurs. It is continuously active, therefore facilitatinglong-term compaction of base and sub-base soils, serving as both adensification and ballasting agent.

In another embodiment of the present invention utilizes a compositionfor enhancing soil improvement characteristics in cold regions. Theliquid soil improvement agent is comprised of a synthetic fluid, thatmeets EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) standards for offshoredrilling, in combination with a pour point depressant. In thisembodiment the synthetic fluid is defined as a fluid that meets the EPAstandards for offshore drilling, including the static sheer requirement,the sediment requirement, the polyaromatic hydrocarbon requirement, andthe toxicity requirement. In one embodiment, the pour point depressantis chosen from acrylic, acrylic copolymer, polymethacrylate, ethylenevinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl acetate olefin copolymers, alkyl estersof styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers, alky esters of unsaturatedcarboxylic acids, polyalkylacrylates, alkyl phenols, alpha olefincopolymers, and polyakyl methacrylate. Incorporating the synthetic fluidand pour point depressant into soil and compacting it, will increase thesoil bearing strength and other mechanical properties. The improvementsin compacted soil characteristics can be achieved in cold weatherenvironments at temperatures well below the freezing point of water.Typically, in warmer climates this soil improvement is accomplished bythe use of water. This invention has the benefit over traditionalmethods by virtue of its ability to be dispersed and incorporated intosoil at temperatures impossible for use with water due to the freezingpoint of water. It also remains in situ, gaining strength due to thewater proofing ability, protection against freeze thaw, frost heave, andsoil binding characteristics of the chemical composition. In oneembodiment of the invention, the synthetic fluid is about 98% to about99.9% by weight (including, but not limited to, 98.0, 98.1, 98.2, 98.3,98.4, 98.5, 98.6, 98.7, 98.8, 98.9, 99.0, 99.1, 99.2, 99.3, 99.4, 99.5,99.6, 99.7, 99.8, and 99.9) and the pour point depressant is about 0.01%to about 2% by weight (including, but not limited to, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03,0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15,0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27,0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39,0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51,0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63,0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75,0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87,0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95, 0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99,1.00, 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07, 1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11,1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23,1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31, 1.32, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35,1.36, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, 1.40, 1.41, 1.42, 1.43, 1.44, 1.45, 1.46, 1.47,1.48, 1.49, 1.51, 1.50, 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55, 1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59,1.60, 1.61, 1.62, 1.63, 1.64, 1.65, 1.66, 1.67, 1.68, 1.69, 1.70, 1.71,1.72, 1.73, 1.74, 1.75, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79, 1.80, 1.81, 1.82, 1.83,1.84, 1.85, 1.86, 1.87, 1.88, 1.89, 1.90, 1.91, 1.92, 1.93, 1.94, 1.95,1.96, 1.97, 1.98, 1.99, and 2.00), and a neutral oil can be added atbetween about 0.01% to about 2% by weight (including, but not limitedto, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11,0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23,0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.34, 0.35,0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44, 0.45, 0.46, 0.47,0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56, 0.57, 0.58, 0.59,0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68, 0.69, 0.70, 0.71,0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80, 0.81, 0.82, 0.83,0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, 0.90, 0.91, 0.92, 0.93, 0.94, 0.95,0.96, 0.97, 0.98, 0.99, 1.00, 1.01, 1.02, 1.03, 1.04, 1.05, 1.06, 1.07,1.08, 1.09, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19,1.20, 1.21, 1.22, 1.23, 1.24, 1.25, 1.26, 1.27, 1.28, 1.29, 1.30, 1.31,1.32, 1.33, 1.34, 1.35, 1.36, 1.37, 1.38, 1.39, 1.40, 1.41, 1.42, 1.43,1.44, 1.45, 1.46, 1.47, 1.48, 1.49, 1.51, 1.50, 1.52, 1.53, 1.54, 1.55,1.56, 1.57, 1.58, 1.59, 1.60, 1.61, 1.62, 1.63, 1.64, 1.65, 1.66, 1.67,1.68, 1.69, 1.70, 1.71, 1.72, 1.73, 1.74, 1.75, 1.76, 1.77, 1.78, 1.79,1.80, 1.81, 1.82, 1.83, 1.84, 1.85, 1.86, 1.87, 1.88, 1.89, 1.90, 1.91,1.92, 1.93, 1.94, 1.95, 1.96, 1.97, 1.98, 1.99, and 2.00). In anotherembodiment, the synthetic fluid is between about 80% to about 95% byweight (including, but not limited to, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87,88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95), the pour point depressant isbetween about 0.1% to about 0.9% by weight (including, but not limitedto, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, and 0.9), a polyolefin isbetween about 5% to about 20% by weight (including, but not limited to,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 20), and aneutral oil is between about 0.01% to about 0.9% by weight (including,but not limited to, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08,0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20,0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, 0.25, 0.26, 0.27, 0.28, 0.29, 0.30, 0.31, 0.32,0.33, 0.34, 0.35, 0.36, 0.37, 0.38, 0.39, 0.40, 0.41, 0.42, 0.43, 0.44,0.45, 0.46, 0.47, 0.48, 0.49, 0.50, 0.51, 0.52, 0.53, 0.54, 0.55, 0.56,0.57, 0.58, 0.59, 0.60, 0.61, 0.62, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.66, 0.67, 0.68,0.69, 0.70, 0.71, 0.72, 0.73, 0.74, 0.75, 0.76, 0.77, 0.78, 0.79, 0.80,0.81, 0.82, 0.83, 0.84, 0.85, 0.86, 0.87, 0.88, 0.89, and 0.90). In oneembodiment, the application of the soil improvement composition does notrequire any water. The composition is a paraffin-based, hydrophobic,liquid material that can be applied at temperatures down to at least−40° F. (−40° C.). The composition binds and coats all contacted soil,making it water repellant while insuring compaction. The compositionmakes for a compacted, yet self-healing surface, in case damage at thebase course occurs. It is continuously active, therefore facilitatinglong-term compaction of base and sub-base soils, serving as both adensification and ballasting agent.

With reference now to FIG. 1, a chart is shown with test results,showing strain (0.1 to 0.5 on graph) vs. CBR (California Bearing Ratio)values. The test consists of causing a plunger of standard area topenetrate a soil sample, (this can be in the laboratory or on site). Theforce (load) required to cause the penetration is plotted againstmeasured penetration, the readings noted at regular time intervals. Thechart shows the results, which are reproduced below as Table 1 of testson a control, a control plus synthetic fibers, a control not compacted,Sample A (which is synthetic fluid and pour point depressant) withsynthetic fibers, and Sample B (which is synthetic fluid, pour pointdepressant, and polyolefin) with synthetic fibers.

TABLE 1 Control 13.5% Control 13.5% Sample A 13.5% Sample B 13.5%Control 13.5% Moisture plus moisture not moisture plus moisture plus CBRMoisture Fibers compacted Fibers Fibers 0.1 42.43 56.99 2.5 84.03 42.840.2 83.19 80.14 3.33 134.22 105.38 0.3 103.77 96.33 3.5 168.58 146.9 0.4112.31 85.73 3.44 190.08 163.13 0.5 116.15 111.67 3.52 208.47 192.95

This embodiment of the invention, utilizing synthetic fibers, gives theneeded cohesion and adhesion to the treated soil, and helps preventbulging at the heel or toe of the pad. In one embodiment, the syntheticfibers are GeoFibers® from Fiber Reinforced Soils, LLC in Baton Rouge,La. Synthetic fibers, when mixed into soil, open up to produce net,grid, and fiber configurations. These net, grid, and fiberconfigurations provide a mechanical means for reinforcement of the soilmatrix. In this embodiment, the fibers are made of polypropylene, andare between about one-quarter inch and about three inches in length(which includes, but is not limited to 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5,1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, and 3 inches), with a tensile strength ofabout 40,000 psi, a tensile elongation of about 20%, a Young's Modulusof about 600,000 psi, and a specific gravity of about 0.91 gr/cm³. Inone embodiment, the fibers have carbon black added as UV protection.Typically, there are three types of fibers: standard tape fibers,fibrillated fibers, and decomposing fibers. In this embodiment, thefibers are added at about 0.15 pounds per square foot (0.072millibar)-blended uniformly to about 6 inch (15.24 cm) depth andcompacted. FIG. 2 shows a graph of the increased CBR values with thepresent invention.

In another embodiment, synthetic fluid, a pour point depressant, andsynthetic fibers are added to soil. The fluid and pour point depressantare about 5% by weight after addition to the soil, and the fibers arebetween about 0.3% to about 0.5% by weight (including, but not limitedto, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5) after addition to the soil. A treated and anuntreated specimen were exposed to three subfreezing temperatures, 25°F. (−3.9° C.), −10° F. (−23° C.), and −30° F. (−34° C.). Measurementswere taken at ambient temperatures and after 24 hours of exposure toeach temperature. The untreated specimen swelled by 7% volume at 25° F.(−3.9° C.), and no more at the colder temperatures. The treated specimenshrank by 1.5% at 25° F. (−3.9° C.) and did not change at the coldertemperatures. It is to be understood that the synthetic fibers can bepresent in an amount between about 0.1% to about 5% by weight, whichincludes, but is not limited to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8,0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2,2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6,3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and5.0. It is also to be understood that in one embodiment, the syntheticfibers can be made of any plastic, elastomer, or rubber.

One method of application is that the fibers are dispersed at a certainratio per cubic meter, blended into three lifts. The fiber length willbe determined by laboratory testing. Fiber dispersing is throughmechanical means and monitored for uniformity over the area. Each liftis blended uniformly with the tilling apparatus set to a specificprofile. The final lift receives the fluid application along with thefiber as noted. At this point, the treated material is ready forcompaction. The synthetic fluid and pour point depressant is applied tothe final lift of material at a determined application rate based on theprofile. About 50% of the fluid will be applied prior to the fiberapplication and blending. The remaining 50% is applied prior tocompaction. Compaction of the treated material is done with a largecompactor. The first pass is with a static roll, with the ensuing passesset for vibratory compaction. CBR values will increase over time asthere is a cure time for the synthetic fluid.

In another embodiment, the composition is a synthetic fluid, which inone embodiment is severely hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane and binder,which in one embodiment is polyolefin. The synthetic fluid can bebetween about 50% to about 95% by weight (which includes, but is notlimited to 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) in thisembodiment and the binder can be between about 5% and about 50% byweight (which includes, but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30,31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48,49, and 50). In one embodiment, the synthetic fluid/binder compositionis applied as a sub-base to the soil, and on top of the sub-base, asurface course is applied, which is a combination of the syntheticfluid/binder composition and synthetic fibers. This combination of thesub-base and the surface course allows for strong impact resistance inthe soil.

In another embodiment, synthetic fluid is combined with a pour pointdepressant and a thermoplastic polyolefin compound including:polyisobutylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisoprene,and their copolymers. In another embodiment, the synthetic fluid can becombined with the polyisobutylene without the pour point depressant. Itis also to be understood that a binder can be added to any of theembodiments as well. In yet another embodiment, synthetic fluid iscombined with pitch rosin blend. Pitch rosin operates as a binder. Inall of the above embodiments, the synthetic fluid can be syntheticisoalkane, having an unsaturated hydrocarbon content of less that 1%, asaturate percentage of greater than 99% (although it is to be understoodthat the saturate percentage can also be 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97,98, or 99%), is either a synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrocarbon, iseither a hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane, a hydrocracked syntheticisoalkane, or a hydroisomerized synthetic isoalkane, has a viscosity ofat least about 19 centistokes @ 68° F., a flame point greater than about266° F., and has a flash point of about 350° F. The synthetic fluidcombined with polyisobutylene helps give even distribution of the load.

In another embodiment, the composition is a base oil, which in oneembodiment is severely hydrotreated synthetic isoalkane and binder,which in one embodiment is polyolefin. The base oil can be between about50% to about 95% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 50,51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68,69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86,87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) in this embodiment and thebinder can be between about 5% and about 50% by weight (which includes,but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36,37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50). In oneembodiment, the base oil/binder composition is applied as a sub-base tothe soil, and on top of the sub-base, a surface course is applied, whichis a combination of the base oil/binder composition and syntheticfibers. This combination of the sub-base and the surface course allowsfor strong impact resistance in the soil.

In another embodiment, base oil is combined with a pour point depressantand a thermoplastic polyolefin compound including: polyisobutylene,polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisoprene, and theircopolymers. In another embodiment, the base oil can be combined with thepolyisobutylene without the pour point depressant. It is also to beunderstood that a binder can be added to any of the embodiments as well.In yet another embodiment, base oil is combined with pitch. In all ofthe above embodiments, the base oil can be synthetic isoalkane, havingan unsaturated hydrocarbon content of less than 1%, a saturatepercentage of greater than 99% (although it is to be understood that thesaturate percentage can also be 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or99%), is either a synthetic or semi-synthetic hydrocarbon, is either ahydrotreated synthetic isoalkane, a hydrocracked synthetic isoalkane, ora hydroisomerized synthetic isoalkane, has a viscosity of at least about19 centistokes @ 68° F. (20° C.), a flame point greater than about 266°F. (130° C.), and has a flash point of about 350° F. (177° C.). The baseoil combined with polyisobutylene helps give even distribution of theload.

In another embodiment, base oil is combined with synthetic fibers. Inthis embodiment, the fibers are made of polypropylene, and are betweenabout one inch and about three inches in length, with a tensile strengthof about 40,000 psi (2,758 bar), a tensile elongation of about 20%, aYoung's Modulus of about 600,000 psi (41,368 bar), and a specificgravity of about 0.91 gr/cm³. In one embodiment, the fibers have carbonblack added as UV protection. Typically, there are three types offibers: standard tape fibers, fibrillated fibers, and decomposingfibers. In this embodiment, the fibers are added at about 0.15 poundsper square foot (0.072 millibar)-blended uniformly to about 6 inch depthand compacted. It is to be understood that this embodiment could alsoinclude a pour point depressant, a binder, and/or polyisobutylene.

There are five specific categories of base oils. These categories definethe type of base stock the oil is formulated from. The categories are asfollows. Note that the base oil group category is followed by themanufacturing method (in bold print) and then a description of the oilcharacteristics for each category.

Group I—Solvent Freezing: Group 1 base oils are the least refined of allthe groups. They are usually a mix of different hydrocarbon chains withlittle or no uniformity. While some automotive oils on the market useGroup I stocks, they are generally used in less demanding applications.

Group II—Hydro processing and Refining: Group II base oils are common inmineral based motor oils currently available on the market. They havefair to good performance in lubricating properties such as volatility,oxidative stability and flash/fire points. They have only fairperformance in areas such as pour point, cold crank viscosity andextreme pressure wear.

Group—III Hydro processing and Refining: Group III base oils aresubjected to the highest level of mineral oil refining of the base oilgroups. Although they are not chemically engineered, they offer goodperformance in a wide range of attributes as well as good molecularuniformity and stability. They are commonly mixed with additives andmarketed as synthetic or semi-synthetic products. Group III base oilshave become more common in America in the last decade.

Group IV—Chemical Reactions: Group IV base oils are chemicallyengineered synthetic base stocks. Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) are a commonexample of a synthetic base stock. Synthetics, when combined withadditives, offer excellent performance over a wide range of lubricatingproperties. They have very stable chemical compositions and highlyuniform molecular chains. Group IV base oils are becoming more common insynthetic and synthetic-blend products for automotive and industrialapplications.

Group V—As Indicated: Group V base oils are used primarily in thecreation of oil additives. Esters and polyolesters are both common GroupV base oils used in the formulation of oil additives. Group V oils aregenerally not used as base oils themselves, but add beneficialproperties to other base oils.

In some embodiments, the invention consists of aliphatic and cyclicorganic compositions utilized as plasticizers and carriers that areblended with materials composed primarily of carboxylic acids andapplied in a manner to produce improved levels of dust and erosioncontrol, and soil improvement (by soil improvement it is meant theintegration of fines preservation, dust control, erosion control, soilstabilization, strength gain, and/or increased load bearing capacity).

A novel and unexpected result occurs when carboxylic acids are blendedwith aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers. These blendsare processed into either heterogeneous mixtures or emulsions thatapplied to soil, aggregate, or mineral provide high levels of longlasting dust control and stabilization. The invention exhibitstremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life, while beingnoncorrosive and nonhazardous.

Aliphatic organic compositions refers to saturated and unsaturatedhydrocarbons derived from petroleum, coal, or synthetic manufacturingincluding paraffins or alkanes, olefins, alkenes, and alkadienes.Alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, andcarbohydrates. The invention, in some embodiments, is comprised of 0% to95% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42,43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60,61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78,79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95)of these compositions.

Cyclic organic compositions refer to alicyclic hydrocarbons,cycloparaffins, cycloolefins, cycloacetylenes, aromatic hydrocarbons,heterocyclics, and any combinations of aliphatic and cyclic structuressuch as terpenes, amino acids, proteins and nucleic acids. Theinvention, in some embodiments, is comprised of 0% to 95% by weight(which includes, but is not limited to 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,83, 4, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, and 95) of thesecompositions.

Carboxylic acid refers to any substance whose major constituents aresaturated or unsaturated fatty acids and their esters derived fromanimal or vegetable fat or oil; and vegetable derived resins or rosinacids, all represented chemically R—COOH. The invention is comprised 5%to 70% by weight (which includes, but is not limited to 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27,28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45,46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63,64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 70) of these substances.

Plasticizer refers to organic compositions added to carboxylic acids tofacilitate processing and increase the flexibility and durability of thefinal product.

Carrier refers to any organic compositions in which carboxylic acids aremiscible in and serve as a vehicle to aid in the dispersion andpenetration of plasticized carboxylic acids into the soil.

Heterogeneous mixtures refer to mixtures or solutions comprised of twoor more substances, whether or not they are uniformly dispersed.

Emulsions refer to mixtures of two or more immiscible liquids held insuspension by small percentages of emulsifiers. Emulsifiers can beprotein or carbohydrate polymers or long-chained alcohols and fattyacids. The emulsions can either be oil-in-water or water-in-oilcontinuous phase mixtures.

The invention is manufactured using conventional manufacturingequipment. Conventional mixers, emulsifiers, or colloid mills areutilized to blend these components into stable heterogeneous mixers oremulsions.

Application of the chemical agent to the soil is also accomplished bythe use of conventional spray equipment. The agent is gravity fed orpumped through hoses, spray nozzles, or fixed sprayers and evenlyapplied to the soil or material to be treated. Motor-graders, asphaltgrinders, mixers, pug mills, compactors, rollers, and other conventionalconstruction equipment may be utilized to blend, set grade, and compactstabilized base if desired.

Once applied the liquid penetrates into the soil where two mechanismsfor dust control and stabilization contribute to the effect. The firstis a particle weighting and loading mechanism achieved through theprocesses of adsorption, adherence of molecules to the surface ofparticles and absorption, penetration of the substance into the innerstructure of the particles.

The second mechanism is produced by the plasticized higher polymericcarboxylic acids which act as binders, in the embodiments in whichbinders are incorporated. The fatty acids and resins bind particles intoa tightly cohesive base when subjected to compactive forces. Theplasticized fatty acids and resins remain active even through severe wetweather and mechanical disturbances from heavy tracked vehicles andsteel-chained tires. Our invention displays a unique and unexpectedability to be recompacted into a tightly cohesive base when disturbed,dramatically extending the working life of the chemical agents. Inembodiments using synthetic isoalkane, the isoalkane can provide bothcohesive and adhesive effects. In embodiments with esters, the ester canprovide both cohesive and adhesive effects.

In some of the embodiments, the composition consists of aliphatic andcyclic organic compositions utilized as plasticizers and carriers thatare blended with materials composed primarily of thermoplasticpolyolefin compositions and applied in a manner to produce improvedlevels of dust and erosion control, and soil stabilization.

A novel and unexpected result occurs when polyolefin compositions areblended with aliphatic or cyclic organic plasticizers and carriers.These blends are processed into either heterogeneous mixtures oremulsions that applied to soil, aggregate, or mineral provide highlevels of long lasting dust control and stabilization. The inventionexhibits tremendous moisture resistance, reworkability, working life,while being noncorrosive and nonhazardous.

Thermoplastic polyolefin composition refers to any substance derivedfrom olefins with chemical structure C_(n)H_(2n) or R—C_(2n)H_(3n),including polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutenes, polyisobutylenes,polyisoprene, and their copolymers. The invention, in some embodiments,is comprised of 2% to 90% by weight (which includes, but is not limitedto 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56,57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74,75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, and 90) ofthese substances.

In another embodiment, a synthetic isoalkane and binder are added to insitu sand with another sand/soil mixture at 10% of the mix. The 10%sand/soil mixture in this embodiment is a fine material passing a 60sieve. In one example, the dry material was treated with water and EK35(available from Midwest Industrial Supply of Canton, Ohio) to a moistureof approximately 7%. The EK35 was added at an application rate of onegallon per twelve square feet. The control gave a result of 10%, whereasat 0.1 penetration the result was 71.3% and at 0.2 penetration theresult was 114.4%. It is to be understood that the sand/soil mixture canbe between about 1% to about 15% of the mix by weight, which includes,but is not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,and 15. It is also to be understood that the fine material of thesand/soil mixture can have a sieve range between about 4 to about 200,which includes, but is not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28,29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46,47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82,83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100,101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114,115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128,129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142,143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156,157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170,171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184,185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198,199, and 200.

In at least one embodiment, the fluid/fiber system works well with poormaterials (i.e. minimal soil confinement, support, and weather). Theimproved soil could support and sustain high pressures for years withthe worst soil and site conditions.

Accordingly, it can be seen that we have provided a unique and effectivemeans of soil improvement using a chemical agent that providedunexpected results when tested. In one embodiment, the CBR of themarginal soils was only slightly increased by the introduction of thepresent invention. However, the treated soil was demonstrated to havesignificantly increased weight-bearing properties, despite therelatively low CBR value. This result is surprising in that CBR valuesare associated with weight-bearing properties, so excellentweight-bearing properties for a soil with a relatively low CBR value isunexpected. A marginal soil is defined as a soil that typically will notcompact sufficiently to develop the bearing strength for its indenteduse. This is often due to particle shapes that will not facilitate theinterlocking of particles or a particle distribution that preventscoherence between particles (e.g., insufficient fines, <5%, or too muchfines, >30%). Marginal soils are often found locally to a constructionsite, making their potential use economically attractive. The presentinvention supplements the particle interlocking and cohesion of acompacted soil. Interlocking is supplemented when the ends of fibers arepinched between pairs of adjacent particles effecting mechanicalreinforcement. Cohesion is supplemented when the fluid enhancescompaction and capillary action between particles. The application ofthe present invention to a marginal soil improves its bearing capacityvia the actions just described, enabling an economical materialalternative with sufficient performance for the intended use.

In a separate embodiment from the previous definition of “synthetic,”the definition of “synthetic” includes the fluid meeting the EPA staticsheen requirement, the sediment requirement, the polyaromatichydrocarbon requirement, and the toxicity requirements.

In one embodiment, wherein the synthetic fluid is a synthetic isoalkane,the synthetic isoalkane acts as a plasticizer, and the syntheticisoalkane is the only plasticizer. It is to be understood that this ismerely one embodiment of the invention, however. In another embodimentof the invention, which can be combined with other embodiments, thecomposition is essentially devoid of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment,the synthetic isoalkane has a saturate percentage greater than 99%.

In another embodiment, the composition consists essentially of asynthetic fluid and a pour point depressant. In another embodiment thecomposition consists essentially of a synthetic fluid and a binder. Inanother embodiment the composition consists essentially of a syntheticfluid, a biodegradable material, and synthetic fibers. In anotherembodiment the composition consists essentially of a base oil andpolyisobutylene. In another embodiment the composition consistsessentially of a base oil and synthetic fibers.

Example—In many of Alaska's unstable soils, simply building a stagingpad in an oil exploration camp can present significant challenges. Inremote locations of the North Slope, where adequate materials arenonexistent or cost-prohibitive to import, the present invention hasproven itself to be a cost-effective solution for soil stabilization.About 47 miles east of Barrow, Ak., the U.S.'s farthest north city, liesCape Simpson—a former Defense Early Warning (DEW) site, is now a stagingarea for oil exploration. The Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation was facedwith a real challenge. They had to reinforce and stabilize 180,000square feet of material-washed and well-rounded beach sand. The solutionmust support heavy equipment by having 150,000 lb. wheel loads orhigher. Without stabilization, a standard, unloaded pickup truck wouldsink to its front axle before its rear wheels were on the pad. Also thesolution must work in sub-zero temps, require a minimum of installationequipment, and meet U.S. EPA and Alaska environmental standards. Acombination of proven technologies from other applications was selected,synthetic fibers and synthetic fluid with binder (Midwest SF2). Thegeo-fiber is a polypropylene fiber that when blended into soil offersmechanical reinforcement, often used for slope repair and slopeconstruction. It is also used in the sports industry to reinforce grassfootball fields. Nontoxic synthetic fluid with binder is used in gravelroads to provide continuous compaction and strength gain throughcohesion and adhesion. The initial step was to apply the syntheticbinder with a tracked vehicle. Lack of surface bearing made wheeledapplication impractical. Step two consisted of bags of geo fibers beingstrategically placed on the pad and broadcast by hand. A front-endloader with a tiller attachment blended the geo-fibers into the topseveral inches of soil to complete the third step in the process. Thefourth step was another application of the synthetic fluid with binder,followed by the fifth and final step, compaction with a conventional, 13ton, steel wheeled roller. The outcome was that the pad was capable ofsupporting 150,000 lb. wheel loads at a high frequency and much higherdistributed stationary loads continuously. This outcome enableduninterrupted Cape Simpson operations during the winter explorationseason. During the summer. Midwest and the University ofAlaska—Fairbanks visited the Cape Simpson site to determine theeffectiveness of the SF2 installation. Over 100 surface strengthmeasurements were made on the pad using 2 different ASTM standard testmethods. The testing demonstrated that the strength of the SF2stabilized surface was still twice that of unstabilized areas. Accordingto the Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation, the surface strength was stillmore than sufficient to support uninterrupted camp operations. Insituations where logistical challenges make traditional soilstabilization cost-prohibitive, SF2 is a very viable option. At CapeSimpson the pad was stabilized in three days for about $1.95 per squarefoot, many times cheaper and much faster than importing materials.

With reference to FIG. 3, a research slope was constructed in situ. Thecore of the embankment includes gravel or coarse-grained material. Theside slope has a two-foot thick layer of silt. This layer will be placedin several layers of about one-foot high, and compacted. Following theplacement of this layer, four different sections of treatment (eachabout 6 to 18 feet wide) are formed. Each treated layer has a differentconfiguration. In one embodiment, synthetic fibers are combined withsynthetic fluid and added to the layer; in another embodiment, justsynthetic fibers are added to the layer; in another embodiment, fibers,synthetic fluid, and a binder are added to the layer; and in anotherembodiment a aqueous acrylic vinyl acetate polymer emulsion is added tothe layer. Prior to applying to the slope, the fine-grained material ismixed with the synthetic fibers, synthetic fluid, and/or binder. Onceapplied to the slope, the material is compacted. In the embodiment withfibers, binder, and synthetic fluid, wherein within the mixture, thesynthetic fluid is about 80% to about 95% by weight (including, but notlimited to, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94,and 95), the binder is about 5% to about 20% by weight (including, butnot limited to, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19,and 20), and the synthetic fibers are about 0.1% to about 5% by weigh(including, but not limited to 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8,0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2,2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6,3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and5.0); after combining with the fine-grained material, the fine-grainedmaterial is about 80% to about 92% by weight (including, but not limitedto, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, and 92), water isabout 6% to about 12% by weight (including, but not limited to, 6, 7, 8,9, 10, 11, and 12), and the mixture is about 2% to about 8% by weight(including, but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8).

With continuing reference to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the syntheticfluid is synthetic isoalkane, the binder is chosen from the groupcomprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin,wherein the thermoplastic polyolefin is chosen from the groupcomprising: C_(n)H_(2n) and R—C₂H_(3n), wherein the thermoplasticpolyolefin is chosen from the group comprising: polyethylene,polypropylene, polybutene, polyisobutylene, polyisoprene, and theircopolymers, wherein the synthetic fibers are polypropylene, are aboutone-quarter inch to about three inches in length, and are chosen fromthe group comprising standard tape fibers, fibrillated fibers, anddecomposing fibers, wherein the fine-grained material is silt.

Although the description above contains much specificity, these shouldnot be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodimentsof this invention. Various other embodiments and ramifications arepossible within its scope. For example, several different types ofsubstances rich in polyolefins are available as drop-in replacements tothose tested, as well as numerous a aliphatic and cyclic organiccompositions.

The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness ofunderstanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understoodtherefrom, for modification will become obvious to those skilled in theart upon reading this disclosure and may be made upon departing from thespirit of the invention and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly,this invention is not intended to be limited by the specificexemplifications presented hereinabove. Rather, what is intended to becovered is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forththe broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspossible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contain certainerrors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in theirrespective testing measurements.

The invention has been described with reference to several embodiments.Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon areading and understanding of the specification. It is intended byapplicant to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

1. A method for preventing erosion of an associated soil embankment, themethod comprising the steps of: creating a mixture of a synthetic fluid,a binder, and synthetic fibers; combining the mixture with fine-grainedmaterial; applying at least one layer of the fine-grained material andmixture to the embankment; and, compacting the at least one layer offine-grained material and mixture.
 2. The method of claim 1, whereinwithin the mixture, the synthetic fluid is about 80% to about 95% byweight, the binder is about 5% to about 20% by weight, and the syntheticfibers are about 0.1% to about 5% by weight.
 3. The method of claim 2,wherein, after combining with the fine-grained material, thefine-grained material is about 80% to about 92% by weight, water isabout 6% to about 12% by weight, and the mixture is about 2% to about 8%by weight.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the synthetic fluid issynthetic isoalkane.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the binder ischosen from the group comprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and athermoplastic polyolefin.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein thethermoplastic polyolefin is chosen from the group comprising:C_(n)H_(2n) and R—C_(2n)H_(3n).
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein thethermoplastic polyolefin is chosen from the group comprising:polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, polyisobutylene, polyisoprene,and their copolymers.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the syntheticfibers are polypropylene, are about one-quarter inch to about threeinches in length, and are chosen from the group comprising standard tapefibers, fibrillated fibers, and decomposing fibers.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the fine-grained material is silt.
 10. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the synthetic fluid is synthetic isoalkane.
 11. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the binder is chosen from the groupcomprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and a thermoplastic polyolefin.12. The method of claim 11, wherein the thermoplastic polyolefin ischosen from the group comprising: C_(n)H_(2n) and R—C_(2n)H_(3n). 13.The method of claim 12, wherein the thermoplastic polyolefin is chosenfrom the group comprising: polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene,polyisobutylene, polyisoprene, and their copolymers.
 14. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the synthetic fibers are polypropylene, are aboutone-quarter inch to about three inches in length, and are chosen fromthe group comprising standard tape fibers, fibrillated fibers, anddecomposing fibers.
 15. The method of claim 2, wherein the fine-grainedmaterial is silt.
 16. The method of claim 3, wherein the synthetic fluidis synthetic isoalkane.
 17. The method of claim 3, wherein the binder ischosen from the group comprising a carboxylic acid, an ester, and athermoplastic polyolefin.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thethermoplastic polyolefin is chosen from the group comprising:C_(n)H_(2n) and R—C_(2n)H_(3n).
 19. The method of claim 3, wherein thesynthetic fibers are polypropylene, are about one-quarter inch to aboutthree inches in length, and are chosen from the group comprisingstandard tape fibers, fibrillated fibers, and decomposing fibers. 20.The method of claim 3, wherein the fine-grained material is silt.